AT&SF Steam Locomotives 2926 & 3751 take the California Limited from LA to Chicago via Raton Pass.

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A few years ago, we decided to use steam power on Santa Fe's Raton Subdivision Model Railroad as if they were never retired from service. The steam locomotives would be called the "Legacy Fleet."

We immediately started installing Tsunami2 Sound decoders in engines 840, 2926, 3751, 3829 and 5000 (Madame Queen).

In 2023 we upgraded our heavy weight passenger car fleet. The upgrades included new couplers, diaphragms, window shades, decorated interiors and some passengers.

All of these upgrades made it possible to operate a heavyweight passenger train. After researching some Santa Fe history, we discovered that in 1892 the California Limited became Santa Fe's first premium high-speed cross-country passenger train.

With a fleet of steam locomotives that had new been retired from service we could operate a modern-day California Limited train that honors the memory and legacy of Santa Fe' Railway's legendary passenger service.

To do this we needed a steam locomotive service facility in Raton for the Legacy Fleet Steam Locomotives. We reworked an area in east Raton and set up the Legacy Fleet Steam Locomotive Service Facility which has water and fuel columns, sand tower and storage tracks. This is a separate facility from the diesel service facility located on the west side of Raton.

Come take a ride on the California Limited - Train #4 as it travels across Raton Pass on its way to Chicago. First, you will see Engine 2926 bring the train into west Raton from LA and stop at the Raton Santa Fe Depot. Then, 2926 is removed from the train so that Engine 3751 can take the train on to Chicago.

To get over Raton Pass 3751 will need assistance from the world's first 2-10-4, Engine 3829. The two great steam locomotives will pull the heavyweight cars of the California Limited with wide open throttles up the 3.27% grades, which are the steepest in the nation for a Class 1 railroad. You will see how the helper engine is removed at the top of the pass so that Train #4 can continue downgrade east to Chicago with Engine 3751 in charge.

Along the way you will get information about historic locations and scenic features out your window!